FREEPORT, Pa. — A community is gearing up to bid farewell to Corey Comperatore, 50, who tragically lost his life in a shooting at a political rally while attempting to protect his family. The series of memorials will commence this Thursday, highlighting both public and private ceremonies to honor the fallen hero.
Comperatore was fatally wounded last Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, during an assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a rally. Family members recounted that Comperatore’s last actions were heroic, shielding his loved ones from gunfire, ultimately sacrificing his own life.
The public is invited to pay their respects at Laube Hall in Freeport, where Comperatore’s visitation is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., as organized by Redmond Funeral Home. A private funeral for friends and family will follow on Friday.
In a grand display of homage, approximately 500 fire trucks will form a procession to honor Comperatore, who served as the former chief of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department. His commitment to community service spanned several years, marking him as a figure of local heroism and leadership.
Adding to the tributes, colleagues and residents have established a modest memorial at the fire station where he served. His firefighting gear, adorned with black ribbon, hangs solemnly while floral tributes surround the station. A sign bearing his name remains prominently displayed on his locker, a poignant reminder of his dedication.
Comperatore’s impact extended beyond his professional role, touching the lives of those around him deeply. “He was a man that just wanted to protect and serve and love… In his last moments, he was shielding his family from the gunfire,” said Craig Cirrincione, second lieutenant at the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company.
John Risch, former chief of the Winfield Township Volunteer Fire Chief, echoed similar sentiments. “I want people to know the Corey I knew. He loved his wife. His daughters were everything to him,” he said.
Reflecting this spirit, a candlelight vigil will be held at 7 p.m. tonight at Lernerville Speedway, aimed at honoring Comperatore’s memory and celebrating his life without associating the event with political undertones.
The community support extends to financial assistance as well, with a GoFundMe page set up to support the Comperatore family, which has already raised over $1.2 million.
In a unique expression of statewide mourning, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across the state in memory of the Freeport Area High School graduate and revered community leader.
In the days following the incident, former president Trump reached out to Comperatore’s widow, Helen, expressing his condolences over the phone. “President Trump called me to share his condolences. He was very kind and said he would continue to call me in the days and weeks ahead,” Helen Comperatore shared in a post.
The series of events this week not only mark a period of intense mourning and reflection but also underscore the broad and deep impact of an individual whose life was devoted to service, protection, and family. Comperatore’s legacy, characterized by his ultimate sacrifice, continues to resonate throughout his community and beyond, as an emblem of bravery and selflessness in the face of grave danger.